The Hunger Games - by Suzanne Collins

Summary/Overview: The Hunger Games is a book that takes place in the future after North America has been destroyed and risen from ashes, the new North American is called Panem consisting of a Capitol and thirteen districts. The capitol rules the districts where people living in the districts are not even supposed to go outside their fenced in town. The Capitol holds a televised event each year called The Hunger Games to show their power over the districts. One boy and one girl are drawn from each district and sent to an outdoor arena to fight till the death, the last one alive wins. This is where Katniss Everdeen comes in, her little sister gets chosen but instead she steps in for her. It's a fight for survival. But because of Katniss's experience hunting outside of her district to keep her family from starving, it really makes for an interesting fight.
Personal thoughts and opinions: I really enjoyed this book. This was one of the books I listed as a stretch for myself to read. I thought I might not get into it because it sounded futuristic and weird, but then again I love Harry Potter, so you never know. But it was not a stretch to read at all because it left me hanging on the edge of my seat. I also enjoyed the take on the future that it portrayed. Now I need to read the next one.
Would I teach this book: I do not think that I would teach this book in a classroom because it is way too far removed from the real world. Of course there still are ways to relate to this book but it just doesn't provide any great literary elements. I would recommend this to both boys and girls even though it is narrated through a girls perspective.
Quote: "Remember, we're madly in love, so it's all right to kiss me anytime you feel like it."
-Peeta Mellark